Magnetic tape cartridge having a data storage medium connected to an integral cleaning tape section

Abstract

The present magnetic tape cartridge having a data storage medium connected to an integral cleaning tape section is designed to accommodate the length of cleaning tape in a manner that is compatible with existing tape drive systems. In particular, the hub on the supply reel in the single reel magnetic tape cartridge is dimensioned to accept the length of cleaning tape such that the radial position of the End Of Tape hole in the magnetic tape media occurs in the same position as that of existing single reel magnetic tape cartridges that are not equipped with the length of cleaning tape appended to the magnetic tape media. This enables the cleaning tape equipped magnetic tape cartridge to be compatible with existing tape drive systems.

1. A single reel tape cartridge that is configured to be loadable into a tape drive to read and write data on magnetic tape media that is wound on the single reel tape cartridge, the single reel tape cartridge comprising:
 a tape reel comprising:
 a hub, 
 a first flange connected to a top of the hub, 
 a second flange connected to a bottom of the hub in a parallel relationship with the first flange, wherein the first flange and the second flange define a tape containment section between said first and second flanges; 
 
 a housing for enclosing said tape reel; 
 a length of magnetic tape media having a first end and a second end; 
 a length of cleaning tape interposed between said second end of said length of magnetic tape media and said hub; and 
 wherein said hub is of a radius to accommodate wrapping of said length of cleaning tape on said hub to position said second end of said length of magnetic tape media at a hub radius that is consistent with an existing hub radius for a tape reel having said length of magnetic tape media wound thereon. 
 
     
     
       2. The single reel tape cartridge of  claim 1  further comprising:
 wherein said length of cleaning tape contains an abrasive affixed to a surface thereof. 
 
     
     
       3. The single reel tape cartridge of  claim 1  further comprising:
 wherein said length of cleaning tape comprises a leader having a thickness and stiffness greater than said length of magnetic tape media. 
 
     
     
       4. The single reel tape cartridge of  claim 1  further comprising:
 said first end of said length of magnetic tape media comprises a leader used by said tape drive to withdraw said magnetic tape media from said tape cartridge. 
 
     
     
       5. The single reel tape cartridge of  claim 1  further comprising:
 wherein said radius of said hub differs from a radius of a standard tape reel hub by an amount that substantially matches a radius difference that corresponds to the thickness of said length of cleaning tape when wrapped around said hub.